IMO adopts resolution to address seafarer challenges during Covid-19

IMO adopts resolution to address seafarer challenges during Covid-19
Yashika F. Torib January 12, 2022

The resolution urges the member states to designate seafarers as key workers PHOTO by Reynan Adlawan, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila)
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted the approved resolution on comprehensive actions to address seafarers' challenges during the Covid-19.

The draft IMO Assembly resolution was approved during the 104th MSC sessions held between Oct. 4 and 8, 2021. The said resolution was adopted at the 32nd session of the IMO Assembly from Dec. 6 to 15, 2021.

The resolution urges the member states to designate seafarers as key workers to facilitate shore leave and safe and unhindered movement across borders and recognize their relevant documentation for this purpose.

It also urges the member states to consider the implementation of the Industry recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the Covid-19 pandemic; prioritize vaccination of seafarers, as far as practicable, in their national Covid-19 vaccination programs; consider exempting seafarers from any national policy requiring proof of Covid vaccination as a condition for entry, taking into account that seafarers should be designated as key workers and that they travel across borders frequently; and provide seafarers with immediate access to medical care and facilitate medical evacuation of seafarers in need of urgent medical attention when the required medical care cannot be provided either onboard or in the port of call.

Even with these resolutions being implemented just late last year, IMO and its member states, the Philippines included, have already applied all of the said provisions since 2020 to facilitate the fast, safe, and orderly movement of seafarers across the world.